Ewing Sarcoma

Definition

Ewing sarcoma is a
cancerous bone
tumor that may occur in any bone in the body. When it occurs in soft tissue, it is called extraosseous sarcoma. The most commonly affected areas include the pelvis, thigh, lower leg, upper arm, and chest wall.

Causes

The causes of Ewing sarcoma are not fully understood. Chromosomal rearrangement that alters the genes may be a factor.

Risk Factors

Because the causes of the cancer are unknown, risk factors are also not fully understood. Ewing sarcoma appears to be more common in Caucasians, teenagers, and males.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

Pain, redness, and swelling surrounding the tumor

Fever

Weight loss and reduced appetite

Fatigue

Incontinence

Numbness, tingling, and paralysis

Difficulty breathing

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You will be treated by a team of doctors which may include an oncologist who specializes in cancer, an orthopaedic surgeon who operates on bones, and a radiation oncologist who works with radiation to kill cancer cells.

Treatment

Treatment involves a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Typically, patients are first treated with chemotherapy for 8-12 weeks, followed by a CT or MRI scan to evaluate the tumor. Depending on the tumor size and location, either surgery or radiation therapy follows. Chemotherapy then resumes for several months after surgery or radiation therapy.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy
drugs are used to kill tumor cells. Your doctor will prescribe a combination of drugs to be given over a set time. This usually means every 2-4 weeks for several months.

Surgery

Surgery may be used to remove the tumor, as well as rebuild the affected bone. Depending on the location of the tumor, a
bone graft
or prosthesis may be needed. There are special types of prostheses that expand as the bone grows. Sometimes, several surgeries are needed to make sure the limb functions properly.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy
uses high-energy x-rays to kill tumor cells. It may be used with surgery or instead of surgery. It is usually given over several weeks and is followed by chemotherapy.

Future Therapy

A combination of high-dose chemotherapy and
stem cell transplant
is being evaluated at certain cancer centers. This combination therapy is typically used in cases where the tumor is resistant.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent Ewing sarcoma because the cause is unknown.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.